Why it is in news?

• The Odisha government has applied for a GI tag on KandhamalHaladi (turmeric variety).
• The golden yellow spice, named after the district where it is produced, has been cultivated since time immemorial and is known for its medicinal value.
• The Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), under MSME ministry, filed the application with supporting documents and test reports to justify its claim.

GI tag

• A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• A team of experts, scientists and members of Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM) have carried out research work for over two years on the origin and properties of the turmeric variety with technical guidance from the CTTC and the district administration

Importance

• More than 60,000 families (nearly 50% of Kandhamal population) are engaged in growing the variety.
• The crop is sustainable in adverse climatic conditions
• It was noticed that the Kandhamal turmeric contains special medicinal values.
• It has high potentiality, suitable for industrial utility.
• The colour is golden yellow, well-distinguished from other varieties

Benefits of  GI tag

• The GI tag will protect the interests of Kandhamal farmers by enhancing the commercial value of KandhamalHaladi
• The application for a tag on KandhamalHaladi comes months after the state government had said it would apply for a GI status on its own variety of the sugary and syrupy sweetmeat, rasagolla.

Source

Business Standard